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Nick Robinson has paid tribute to George Alagiah following the sad news of the broadcaster’s death.
Speaking on The One Show, Robinson, 59, reflected on his friendship with the award-winning journalist, who died earlier today aged 67 following a bowel cancer diagnosis in 2014.
When asked by host Alex Jones what the atmosphere was like in the BBC newsroom now, Robinson said there was a ‘cloud of sadness’ in the air.
‘You feel it when you come in the building,’ he began. ‘It’s like there’s a cloud of sadness now.’
He continued to say that, no matter whether people knew Alagiah personally or not, ‘everyone thought he was their friend’.
‘I got to know him later in life when we became members of the club nobody wants to be part of, we both had cancer at the same time, but everybody felt that sense of friendship.
‘I was trying to think why because lots of people read out what’s on that screen, but what people can’t all do is look and be and feel like a human being when they’re telling other people’s stories. And George just did it, that’s why we’ll miss him.’
Speaking of his own experiences with cancer, Robinson said he created a special ‘bond’ with Alagiah.
‘There was a bond and there was also the ability to talk because you can understand what each other’s going through,’ he shared.
‘And I’m smiling now! Because, actually, we went through some good times together.’
Robinson proceeded to say that Alagiah wanted to ‘use his illness for good’.
‘He wanted to say, “Look, if I had caught my cancer earlier, maybe I’d have a better chance of survival.”
‘In many ways, it was a miracle he survived as long as he did.’
Robinson finished by sharing what he thinks Alagiah’s ‘legacy’ will be.
‘A legacy of George will be the understanding he gave. He was a reporter first before a presenter,’ he praised.
‘It’s the telling of human beings’ stories, but what George did brilliantly was find the stories of people, in Africa often, but also in his home of Sri Lanka, and tell those stories to people who maybe didn’t understand.’
‘Finally, what he taught us is an immigrant could become one of the most trusted voices and faces in this country,’ he concluded.
Tributes have flooded the internet since the heartbreaking news of Alagiah’s death broke earlier today.
A statement from BBC director-general Tim Davie said: ‘Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time.
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‘George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly.
‘He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.’
The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One and on BBC iPlayer.
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